How to Have Productive Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent teacher conferences are a necessary part of any child's education. Depending on past experiences and your child's progress in class, these 10 to 20 minutes sessions can be daunting. Deciding ahead of time what information you want to take away from a parent teacher conference can make it more productive and less painful.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Talk with your child about parent teacher conferences. Find out if there are any specific issues he would like you to discuss with the teacher.
   
   

2. Make a list of questions you have about the classroom. Understanding morning procedures, classroom duties and daily expectations will help you know how your child fits in.

3. Prepare a list of things you would like the teacher to know about your child and your family. Often these kinds of details will help the teacher better meet your child's needs. There may not be time to share them at conferences but provide them anyway.

4. Be positive when entering the conference situation. Understand that these times are set aside to make your child's school experience a positive one.

5. Address behavioral issues with a plan for success. If your child is having a problem in class, use the time to come up with a plan to help her do better.

6. Ask questions in a kind, respectful way. Open communication throughout the year is essential, so try not to be combative.

7. Schedule additional time if you are not satisfied. Parent teacher conference times are short. If you need more time, reschedule, as other parents are waiting for their chance.

Tips & Warnings

• Email your child's teacher ahead of time with specific things you would like to address.
• Take advantage every conference opportunity even if it's optional. The more you know about the teacher, the classroom and how your child is doing, the better the school year will be for your child.
• Never allow your child to be berated or belittled by the teacher, even if they are not present. Demand respect for your child. How a teacher communicates at conference time can be a good indication of how they are communicating in the classroom.
• If you find yourself in a combative situation with a teacher, request an administrator be present at all future conferences.

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